Presentation Details

Engineering Block-based Languages

Mauricio Verano Merino

Block-based environments have proven to offer end-users a low floor and a high ceiling. Besides using block-based environments for programming tasks, they can also be used as editors for popular semi-structured data languages such as JSON and YAML. However, the development of fully-fledged block-based environments is still cumbersome. In this talk, I will introduce two approaches for developing block-based languages using context-free grammars and a meta-block-based environment.

Multi-Select Plugin

Songlin Jiang

In this talk, I will show you my work on the Blockly Workspace Multi-Select Plugin. The plugin is part of my achievement for Google Summer of Code 2022 at MIT App Inventor. It enables you to select multiple blocks simultaneously, moving and manipulating them on Blockly.

Serialization and Visual Diff

Koen van Wijk

We like to bring Blockly to professionals to control high-tech system. We think Blockly can fill a gap in low-code platforms; Low-code platforms are available for applications with a lot of users, however it is to costly to create one specific for your smaller domain. Therefore we start creating low-code platforms for high-tech systems based on Blockly. However Blockly lacks a couple of features that are needed in a professional setting. Like 3 way merge, blocks suggestion, combination with ChatGPT, collaboration, create blocks by typing, diff on blocks, evolution of blocks, git support, multi select, requirements linking, rich text comments, text to blocks to text, integration with visual studio code. In this presentation will show a several options with respect to the serialization and show a prototype of a visual diff. 

Blockly meets Jupyter

Carlos Herrero + Denisa Checiu

Block-based programming offers the unique opportunity of teaching basic yet fundamental programming concepts without the challenge brought on by the specific syntax of text-based programming languages. Wishing to provide a smooth ramp of complexity for learners, we designed a JupyterLab extension for Blockly, such that Jupyter can now be used all throughout a student's learning journey, without the hassle of having to switch to a completely new environment at any point along the way.

In this talk, we will provide an overview of the Jupyter ecosystem and a more detailed look at the JupyterLab-Blockly extension, starting from the benefits of using it and our motivation when creating it, going through a well-documented journey of the UI to concluding with a glimpse of what we envision for these tools.

As a preview, you can read more in our blogpost.

BlocksCAD: Math + Coding + Design

Jonah Boucher

In BlocksCAD computational thinking meets 3D design! Students learn math and coding while building detailed 3D models in a simple web-based platform. Teachers use BlocksCAD's LMS and curriculum to align learning experiences with STEM standards, and makers readily integrate 3D printing, AR/VR, and digital modeling into core academics.

Onboarding New Users

Kim Ying

This presentation reviews a recent onboarding feature implemented to help new users understand the Microsoft MakeCode editor for the micro:bit.

Building Smart Contracts on a Hyperledger Fabric (HLF) network using Blockly

Muizudeen Kusimo

The Hyperledger Fabric network is an enterprise-level, permissioned blockchain protocol with privacy controls. Business logic, also known as "smart contracts" can be written in any of the following languages: NodeJS, Java, and Go. Non-developers are currently unable to define execution logic due to lack of software development knowledge and skills. This talk highlights how Blockly can be used to author smart contracts through its familiar drag-n-drop interface to bridge the knowledge gap for non-developers to easily create logic to match their specific use cases.

Unleashing Creativity: Blocks & Curricula for K-12 AI Education

Randi Williams

In this talk I will share two projects that exemplify our constructionist approach to designing block-based programming platforms and curricula to teach K-12 students about AI. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our lives, it is crucial that we address the digital literacy and diversity gaps that hold most people back from effectively engaging with AI. We have designed educational resources that foster creative learning and empower learners to actively shape AI's impact on their lives. Through our approach, students are positioned to see themselves as technosocial changemakers who can thrive in an AI-powered world.